Every once in a while I actually “stop to smell the roses” at the local supermarket, but I also love to take pictures of them with the Hipstamatic App on my iPhone. I especially like to take pictures on the Random mode so I am pleasantly surprised by my photos. In Random mode, you shake the phone and the “film” and “lenses” automatically change, but you are unable to see which lenses and films are being used until after the photo is processed. It’s a fun way to get out of a rut if you end up using the same Hipstamatic combinations.

I discovered Frenchy & the Punk quite by accident at the 2014 Steampunk World’s Fair. I watched their Sunday afternoon concert and couldn’t believe how amazing they were and wondered why I hadn’t heard of them before that day. I bought their CD “Hey Hey Cabaret” at their merch stand and listened to it almost every day for a month thereafter. I’ve found that a nice way to relive an event such as the SPWF is to purchase some of the music that I listened to (and it supports the artists also).

Their music as described on their website:

Imagine Siouxsie Sioux and Dee Dee Ramone had a duo that was inspired by Django Reinhardt, Edith Piaf, Toulouse Lautrec and Deepak Chopra, this is what it might sound like. One part Dresden Dolls, Sonny and Cher and one part White Stripes. A pixie spirited flexitarian band of tree hugging, gothic, folky, Steam Punks by way of Paris and New York. Doused in red wine, kale and granola, raised on punk rock and ballet, eclectic and uplifting… fun with a capital F!

My first Steampunk event was Steampunk City in Speedwell, New Jersey. I didn’t have any real Steampunk attire yet so I threw together an outfit with some things I had in my closet. Since then I have acquired different clothes and accessories at the different Steampunk events that I attended.

I was fortunate to attend “Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic” last spring in New York City. The historic theater that housed the show was hidden away behind a diner near Times Square. It has been said that the theater is haunted by one of its former stars. This show is described as immersive theater, as the action in the musical occurs around the audience who are also invited to dress up and play a part that is given to them as they arrive.

The story revolves around Olive Thomas, a Ziegfeld showgirl, whose life ended tragically after she married Jack Pickford. The performance explores whether her death was a suicide, murder, or just an unfortunate accident. During the three intermissions you can watch each scenario of the night of her death take place in a hidden glass enclosed upstairs room decorated to recreate the Paris hotel room where she died.

The first floor has a stage where various burlesque acts and singers perform contemporary songs in the style of the (1930’s). One of my favorite performances was the song “Chandelier” where the dancer’s were actually swinging from the ornate chandelier above us.

The second floor is decorated in the style of the infamous Cabaret du Néant (Cabaret of Nothingness) which was in Montmartre, Paris. One of the highlights of the show for me was while in the Carbaret du Néant, Jack Pickford took my hand and led me over to a bench and began to whisper sweet nothings in my ear. I was taken aback, though, when Olive Thomas came over and confronted me for talking to her husband. I truly was part of the immersive experience!

The musical was written, directed and produced by Countess Cynthia Von Buhler. I first learned of Countess Von Buhler through Dr. Sketchy in New York City. I saw her first immersive theater piece “Speakeasy Dollhouse” which explored the mysterious unsolved murder of Cynthia Von Buhler’s grandfather. The first time I saw the show I was hooked, and ended up seeing it two more times. Each time was totally different experience.

Ziegfelds’ Midnight Frolic was one of the most fun, thrilling and unique experiences I’ve had in New York City. I am really looking forward to see what Countess Cynthia Von Buhler comes up with next!

Hello and Welcome!

Through the Lava Lamp features the artwork of Rita Flores created using cutting edge technology such as the iPad and iPhone, as well as more traditional work such as drawing and acrylic painting. Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to add comments or ask questions about my techniques.